Fin's Fish Guide
The Apron (Zingel asper) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 22 cm.
Endemic to the Rhone river basin in France and Switzerland, in fast-flowing rivers with a gravel and stone bottom; today reduced to a few isolated river stretches.
Description
The apron or Rhône streber is a slender, perch-like bottom fish of the family Percidae reaching about 22 cm. The spindle-shaped, brown-yellow body has a strikingly thin caudal peduncle and bears dark, oblique cross-bars; the two dorsal fins are separate and the first is spiny. Like its relatives the zingel and streber, the apron is strongly adapted to fast-flowing water: it presses against the bottom with its pectoral fins to avoid being swept away. The species is endemic to the Rhône drainage in France and Switzerland. Mainly at night it hunts insect larvae, small bottom fish and crustaceans. Through dams, canalisation and water pollution it has been reduced to a few isolated stretches and is assessed as Endangered (EN); it is the subject of intensive conservation.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Apron?
The Apron has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Slender, perch-like bottom fish with a spindle-shaped body, a thin caudal peduncle and dark, oblique vertical bars; one of the most endangered fishes of France.
Where does the Apron live?
The Apron lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to the Rhone river basin in France and Switzerland, in fast-flowing rivers with a gravel and stone bottom; today reduced to a few isolated river stretches.
How big does the Apron get?
The Apron grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Apron dangerous to humans?
No, the Apron is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Apron edible?
The Apron is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Zingel
More from the family Percidae
Want the complete picture on the Apron?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Apron is one of 12,519 species in the app.